Fri 21 - Sat 22 September. A 2-Day Practical Course.

The registration deadline has been extended as this course will definitely take place.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Interest in avian and exotic animal medicine and surgery has evolved over the past decade and it is now one of the fastest growing areas in veterinary medicine. This course has been designed for veterinarians in practice, working with avian cases, wishing to gain a higher level of expertise in their approach to sick and injured avian and exotic patients, anaesthetic safety, and making a correct differential diagnosis. The course also includes discussions of common diseases in birds of prey, as well as a master class on avian radiology, based on clinical case examples. As there are many factors to consider when choosing a method of fixation to repair a fracture, the second day starts with an introductory lecture on avian and exotic animal orthopaedic surgery, followed by an extensive 3½-hour wet lab, where all delegates will undertake all common avian and exotic animal fracture repairs on cadaver cases. This is an invaluable opportunity for delegates to gain real hands-on practical experience, such that they have confidence to undertake all procedures in their own practices.

On the first day the following topics will be covered in lectures and case presentations:

Avian radiography master class - Top to toe, making the correct interpretation

Frank and honest topical discussions will be encouraged during the dedicated question times, with speakers sharing their successes and failures in order to maximise the learning experience for all attending veterinarians. Day 1 will conclude with a course dinner which will give delegates the opportunity to get to know each other and to spend more time with the speakers.

On the second day, after an introduction to avian and exotic animal orthopaedic surgery, the 3½-hour practical session will give delegates the opportunity to put theory into practice on cadaver specimens and to ask questions in small groups (2-5 delegates), all under the supervision of the course tutors. The following topics will be covered during the practical sessions:

Day 2 will finish with case discussions. Delegates will be encouraged to bring cases with them for discussion in this session.

The course fee includes lunches on site, coffee/tea breaks, extensive course notes and a certificate of attendance (14 hours). On the evening of the first day all delegates are invited to attend the course dinner, which costs £25 (not included in the price, drinks will be charged extra). Early course registration is recommended as there are only a limited number of places available.

Neil qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1983. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine, Specialist in Avian Medicine and an FRCVS. Neil was responsible for teaching avian medicine at Bristol Vet School from 2001–2011. He has lectured internationally for many years, has contributed to more than sixty-five peer review papers and to more than thirty-seven books. Neil has received multiple national and international awards and is a past President of both, The European College of Zoological Medicine and The European Board of Specialisation.

Neil headed up Great Western Exotic Vets (part of the Vets Now group) in Swindon, from 2004 to 2017. He now consults part-time at Fitzpatrick Referrals and is otherwise occupied with voluntary conservation work with critically endangered vultures, lecturing, and managing other consultancy instructions.

Come off at junction 15 onto the A419 towards Swindon. Take the first junction off the A419 onto the A4259 and take the first exit off the roundabout, passing the Hospital on the left. At the next roundabout take the third exit following the A4259, Queen’s Drive. Follow the A4259 until Drakes roundabout and take the second exit onto the A4312, Drakes Way. Turn left at the traffic lights onto Ocotal Way and then right at the next set of traffic lights onto Shrivenham Road. At the mini roundabout turn right into County Park Business Park. Vets Now are located at the end of the road on the left.

From the A419/A420

At the White Hart Roundabout, take theA4312 - Oxford Road exit (signed Town Centre). Remain on the A4312 until the Greenbridge Roundabout. At the roundabout take the second exit (signed Town Centre & A4312). Turn right at traffic light junction with Ocotal Way - A313. Turn right at set of lights (signed Marshgate) onto Shrivenham Road. Turn right at mini-roundabout into the County Park Business Park. Vets Now are located at the end of the road on the left hand side.

Travelling by Public Transport

By Bus/Train

From Swindon Rail Station walk to bus station (Bay 16) and take the 66 Bus. After 4 stops exit at Walcot East, Drakes Park. From there it is a 6 minute walk to the centre.